The California Fish and Game Commission voted 3-2 to ban bobcat trapping statewide. Commission President Jack Baylis and Commissioners Anthony Williams and Eric Sklar voted in favor of a statewide ban. Commission Vice President Jim Kellogg and Commissioner Jacqueline Hostler-Carmesin voted against it.The decision today completely bans bobcat trapping in California, with the exception of depredation trapping.The ban will become effective after approval by the state Office of Administrative Law and submission to the Secretary of State. The regulations may be effective before the start of the 2015-2016 bobcat trapping season.

SALEM, Ore. – A Steller sea lion died when it became entangled between two traps at Bonneville Dam.There were no witnesses to the incident, which occurred sometimeMondaynight. Biologists believe the animal hauled out between the two cage traps onto a narrow area where the wooden floors of each trap extended beyond the cages, coming together to create a makeshift platform. It appears that as the animal tried to back out of the narrow area, it became entangled in the tethering cables holding the traps together. Once entangled, it appears the sea lion flipped over to reach the water, but couldn’t break free of the cables. A veterinarian on site determined the animal drowned and complete a necropsy on the animal will be performed.“This is a very unfortunate incident, no one would have predicted this could have happen,” said Rick Hargrave, ODFW spokesman. “Our focus now is to prevent this from happening again.”Trapping operations at Bonneville Dam have been suspended while ODFW consults with NOAA. In the meantime, cage trap doors will be closed and locked, and a temporary barricade will be installed between the two cage traps to prevent access.

SALEM, Ore. – A trap malfunction resulted in the accidental death of two California sea lions at Bonneville Dam earlier this week.SometimeTuesdayevening or earlyWednesdaymorning a malfunction caused a trap door to close on nine California and Steller sea lions hauled out in the open cage trap. When biologists discovered the malfunctionWednesdaymorning, they found two of the California sea lions dead.A postmortem exam conducted by an ODFW veterinarian on the site indicated the animals had been crushed, presumably by a much larger Steller sea lion also on the trap.Rick Hargrave, ODFW spokesperson, said such accidents do happen in wildlife management operations.“This was an unfortunate accident. However, any time you handle wild animals there are risks that an animal can be accidentally hurt or killed,” he said. He added that ODFW has successfully trapped and released thousands of sea lions in Astoria and at Bonneville Dam over the past decade and a half.An incident report has been submitted to NOAA Fisheries and the states temporarily suspended trapping operations to allow for consultation with NOAA and the project’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Since 2008, the states of Oregon and Washington have operated a California sea lion trapping and removal program at Bonneville Dam in order to protect threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead populations in the river. The program operates under authority granted by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.Neither animal accidentally killed in the trap malfunction had yet been added to the list of California sea lions approved for lethal removal under the states’ trapping and removal program.Trapping operations at the dam will resume next week, after NOAA and the states have reviewed operating procedures at the dam to reduce the chance of future accidents.

Idaho Fish and Game is launching a negotiated rule making process and wants to hear from the public about proposed trapper education rule changes.

In response to public comment by both trappers and outdoor recreationists who participated in regional trapping workshops and testified at Fish and Game Commission hearings, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission is now considering a proposal to develop a mandatory trapper education course so all trappers have the same level of exposure to ethics, responsibility, and non-target avoidance as a minimum.

Currently, a voluntary trapper education course is offered, similar to the mandatory hunter education course.

The negotiated rulemaking would establish a mandatory trapper education class, the class length, and required subject matter to be covered. Additional training, including a field component, would be required for newer trappers.Under the proposal:- Trapper education certification would become mandatory to be eligible for a trapping license beginning July 1, 2017.- Minimum of two hours for everyone to cover ethics, responsibility, non-target avoidance.- Minimum of four additional hours to cover rules, species identification, methods, techniques, and wildlife management for new trappers and anyone that has purchased their first Idaho trapping license after July 1, 2010.

Exceptions: Trappers that have successfully passed and are certified through the Idaho Voluntary trapper education course, or other equivalent courses from other states or countries. People who have taken any state or country wolf trapping education course are not exempt and must take the Idaho trapper education course.

Dillon Montana,December 12, 2014--Montana’s trapping season is in full swing and the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest wants to offer important reminders for all winter recreationists. Melany Glossa, Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest Supervisor, says “Montana’s Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) has trap setback requirements from roads, trails and campgrounds and most trappers take additional efforts to place traps in areas well away from those frequented by other recreationists.” Dog owners and others concerned about trapping can minimize risks by staying on well used routes and keeping pets close by when hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing.” Glossa adds “keeping pets close to you while out in the woods helps reduce not only accidental trapping concerns but also keeps pets from unnecessarily harassing wildlife.” According to FWP, winter recreationists should be on the look-out for signs of trapping activity; a lightly traveled snowmobile track or a few footsteps in the snow may indicate a trapper’s presence and should be avoided. Recreationists who want to learn more about Montana’s trapping season should look at the websitehttp://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/trapping/. The link has good information, like how to become more proficient at releasing traps and snares and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks contact information. For additional information about winter recreation opportunities on the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest contact us at(406) 683-3900or look us up on the internet athttp://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/bdnf/recreation.

Wolf Trapper Education Classes In The Clearwater RegionThere will be two wolf trapper classes in the Clearwater Region this week—one on Friday, September 5 in Lewiston, and one on Saturday, September 6 in Ahsahka.

There are still seats available in these classes. These may be the only classes offered in the Clearwater Region for 2014.

Trapping has long been part of Idaho's outdoor heritage, providing income, recreation, and a connection to wildlife for many citizens through harvest of a renewable natural resource.

Unfortunately, we have had some had some instances where domestic dogs have been accidently caught, and in a couple of cases killed in conibear (body-gripping) traps, which are designed to quickly kill target species.

Trappers, the Fish and Game Commission and department are committed to finding ways to reduce the accidental catch of dogs. That's why Fish and Game recently convened a series of meetings of regional working groups consisting of trappers and dog owners - including hunting dog owners, to gather points of view and brainstorm ideas.When the Commission met earlier this month, staff presented summaries of the meetings and recommendations suggesting a three prong approach to reduce instances of accidental trapping including: 1) developing some restrictions to the use of body gripping traps; 2) increase access to trapper education, and 3) increase public education on trapping and releasing pets from traps.

The Commission directed staff to work on specific proposals for consideration at the Commission's January meeting. Should the Commission select alternatives, they would then go through a formal input process before being considered for adoption by the Commission.

Accidental trappings of pets are rare but some recent incidents have made news in some parts of Idaho. Some have used these instances to denounce all trapping. One Idaho newspaper recently called it a "disgusting, barbaric and cruel practice." As chairman of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, I take issue with that.

Trapping in Idaho dates back to Native Americans, early French trappers and mountain men, and continues to be a time honored tradition here today. Trappers harvest furbearers such as beaver, bobcat, otters, and marten, and more recently wolves have been added to the list of species that can be legally trapped.

Trapping also cultivates stewardship values and encourages another way to learn about wildlife and their habitat. It is a primary tool used to control some species of depredating wildlife and for biologists to capture wildlife for research and management.

Two years ago, over 70 percent of the electorate voted to amend the Idaho Constitution enshrining the right to hunt, fish and trap in our state - rights that are part of the fabric of Idaho.

It is a tragedy whenever a beloved pet or hunting dog is killed or injured in a trap. Our trappers certainly empathize and so do members of the Commission and department employees. We are committed to finding ways to reduce these unfortunate instances and to do our best to eliminate them altogether. Fish and Game has produced and posted a video on how to release your dog from a trap. It is posted on our trapping and furbearer information page: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=141

Hunters and other dog enthusiasts now have another reason to attend the 19th annual Premier Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Day. Idaho Fish and Game officers will be holding a trap awareness seminar as part of the day's events.

The combined event will be held at Veterans' Memorial Park - State Street and Veterans' Parkway in Boise - on Sunday, June 8th from 11:00am to 3:00pm. While the cost of the rattlesnake avoidance training is $40 for pre-registered dogs, the trap awareness seminar is free, with no appointment required.

The trap awareness seminar is designed for anyone who regularly takes their dogs to the Boise foothills, other outlying areas and even the greenbelt. "Most dog owners are unfamiliar with traps of any kind," Fish and Game conservation officer Kurt Stieglitz noted. "This seminar will provide them with some very practical tools related to trapping, including the steps to take if a pet dog ever ends up in a trap."

Stieglitz and fellow officer Brian Flatter will discuss the different types of traps that might be encountered including foot-hold traps, body-gripping traps and snares, how each trap type works and how to safely release a pet from a trap. Other topics to be covered include trapping seasons, areas to avoid while walking your pet, trapping rules, and what to do if a trap is encountered.

For more information regarding the trap awareness seminar, contact the Idaho Fish and Game Nampa office at 208-465-8465.

Wolf Trapper Course Set In Idaho FallsIdaho Fish and Game will be offering a wolf trapper course in Idaho Falls on February 22.

Attendance at an Idaho Department of Fish and Game wolf trapper education course is required for those wishing to trap wolves in Idaho.The course will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, February 22 at the Fish and Game Upper Snake Regional office, 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls.

The course will provide students with interactive, hands-on training from experienced, certified trapper instructors. The curriculum includes wolf management, trapping laws and ethics, responsible trapping, proper equipment and trapping techniques. Proper care of a hide for maximum value, and harvest reporting requirements are covered as well.

Cost is $8 per student. Online registration includes an additional fee of $1.24.

Trappers must register to take the wolf trapper education course either through the Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov, or by contacting the Fish and Game Upper Snake Regional office at (208)525-7290.

JACKSON – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department reports the successful conviction of two Alpine men for multiple trapping violations. Harold Buckner recently pleaded guilty to trapping while his trapping privileges were suspended. Buckner’s trapping privileges had been suspended in July of 2013 for multiple trapping violations. Richard Permann pleaded guilty to being an accessory to Buckner’s offense as well as failing to check his traps and for trapping too close to a public road. Buckner was sentenced to serve five days in jail and his trapping privileges were revoked for six and a half years. He also received a $500 fine and is required to serve a one-year probation sentence. The probation terms require that he violate no laws and abide by his suspension. If Buckner were to violate the terms of his probation, he would have to serve the remaining 360 days jail that were suspended in favor of probation. Permann was sentenced to pay a combined $1,500 in fines for his three violations, as well as a three year probation term with his trapping privileges also being revoked for those three years. In addition, Permann must pay a $365 veterinary bill that was the result of a domestic dog being caught in one of his traps that was too close to a public road. Similar to Buckner, if Permann were to violate his probation, he would be required to serve the remaining probationary period in jail, which could be up to three years. “Clearly, these two individuals did not take the Wyoming trapping laws, or their trapping responsibilities, seriously,” said Wyoming Game and Fish Warden, Robert Hipp. “It was especially evident with Buckner who had already lost his trapping privileges back in July.” Buckner had lost his trapping privileges for a year after being convicted for multiple violations, including failing to check his traps, using game animal parts as bait and having traps too close to an exposed bait or carcass. “We would especially like to commend the Teton County Prosecutors Office and Teton County Circuit Court Judge, James L. Radda, for their continued commitment to enforcing our wildlife laws in Teton County.”

Recent media coverage about Idaho Fish and Game sending an employee to try to remove two of the wolf packs in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness has raised questions and concerns. Many Idahoans have strong feelings about wolves - and wilderness. I've heard from those who believe we should take a hands-off approach and "let nature take its course" in wilderness, while others feel Fish and Game's actions are not aggressive enough to recover elk herds in the area.

Since their introduction into Idaho, we have come to understand that wolves are very prolific at reproducing and colonizing new territory and they can withstand relatively high mortality levels.

In 2002, the Idaho State legislature adopted a state wolf management plan to ensure that Idaho's wolf population would remain on the Idaho landscape and off the federal endangered species list.

Part of keeping wolves in Idaho is managing them to reduce conflicts. Idaho law says that wildlife throughout our state belongs to the citizens and that Fish and Game will manage to preserve, protect, perpetuate such wildlife, and provide for the citizens continued supplies for hunting, fishing and trapping.

Wildlife management often involves action: reducing crop damage from deer and elk herds through special hunts, reducing traffic collisions with big game animals, removing mountain lions from cities, preventing nuisance bear behavior by improving public awareness about sanitation, addressing overpopulation by increasing harvest, and recovering populations in decline by improving habitat, and in this case, reducing predation.

Fish and Game seeks to manage large predators (black bears, mountain lions, and gray wolves) in balance with their prey. The pack behavior of wolves is different than more solitary predators. The rapid growth of the wolf population disrupted the predator-prey balance in some areas and is a major factor in preventing some elk populations from rebounding.

The wilderness is a special place but it is different from a national park. Backcountry hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing are treasured opportunities, and Fish and Game has actively managed wildlife in central Idaho since before the area was designated wilderness.

Aerial surveys tell us that in the Frank Church wilderness, elk populations have dropped 43 percent since 2002 and wolf populations are too high in relation to elk numbers. Our research in other backcountry areas indicates that wolf predation is a major factor preventing elk populations from recovering. We know there are at least six documented packs in the Middle Fork Salmon zone, and several more packs throughout the wilderness area. Recent back country wildfires have increased elk forage but may it take a few years for habitat to fully recover.

Wolf hunting and trapping by sportsmen in the Middle Fork zones have not been sufficiently effective in reducing elk predation. Even if successful, this action will in no way come near to eliminating wolves. That is not, and never will be our goal.

SALEM, Ore.— With trapping seasons underway in Oregon, dog owners need to be aware that there could be traps in areas where they are hiking with their dogs.Dogs running loose have accidentally been captured in legally set traps, causing injury or even death to the dog.Oregon’s Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations set restrictions on where trappers may set traps and snares on state and federal lands. Traps may not be set within 50 feet of any designated public trail or within 300 feet of any designated trailhead, public campground or picnic area. Also, killing traps with a jaw spread between 7.5 and 9 inches set on public land cannot be placed more than 50 feet from a permanent or seasonal water source.

Dog owners share in the responsibility to keep their pets safe during trapping seasons. They can take the following steps to help keep their dogs safe:

Remember lures and baits used by trappers can attract dogs too (another reason to keep your dog under your control).

Be mindful of where and when trapping activities may occur—on public lands and on private lands by permission. Most trapping seasons and activities occur during the winter because pelts are in prime condition at this time.

Carry the appropriate tools (wire cutter and length of rope) and know how to use them to release dogs from a trap.

Traps set for coyotes, bobcats and raccoons are the types of sets most likely to inadvertently capture a dog.The organization UtahPAWS has tips on how to release pets from traps on their website:Foothold traps http://utahpaws.org/pet_safety/foothold_trapsSnares http://utahpaws.org/pet_safety/snaresConibear (killing) traps http://utahpaws.org/pet_safety/conibear_trapsIt is illegal to disturb or remove the traps or snares of another person. Individuals that see traps they believe are illegally set should not disturb the trap, but contact Oregon State Police. OSP can identify the owner of a legally set trap through a unique branding number required on each trap. Most trapping seasons opened Nov. 15 or Dec. 1 and end Feb. 28 or March 31. A few seasons are open the entire year, but winter is the most popular time to trap.

Dillon Mont., Dec. 12, 2013 —Montana’s trapping season is in full swing and the Beaverhead- Deerlodge National Forest wants to offer important reminders for all winter recreationists.Melany Glossa, Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest Supervisor, says “Montana’s Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) has trap setback requirements from roads, trails and campgrounds and most trappers take additional efforts to place traps in areas well away from those frequented by other recreationists.” Dog owners and others concerned about trapping can minimize risks by staying on well used routes and keeping pets close by when hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing.” Glossa adds “Keeping pets close to you while out in the woods helps reduce not only accidental trapping concerns but also keeps pets from unnecessarily harassing wildlife.” According to FWP, winter recreationists should be on the look-out for signs of trapping activity; a lightly traveled snowmobile track or a few footsteps in the snow may indicate a trapper’s presence and should be avoided. Recreationists who want to learn more about Montana’s trapping season should look at the website http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/trapping/. The link has good information, such as how to become more proficient at releasing traps and snares and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks contact information. For additional information about winter recreation opportunities on the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest call (406) 683-3900or go online to http://www.fs.usda.gov.

Idaho rules require a wolf trapper certification class be completed and passed before a person can purchase wolf trapping tags.

The course includes 6.5 hours of instruction, including both classroom and field experience followed by a written exam.

Courses are offered periodically throughout the year, but most are offered in the fall and early winter when people are preparing to spend more time in the field. This also coincides with the time of the year when wolf hides are prime and have the most value.

For those planning to trap this winter, the final two opportunities to take the wolf trapper certification class for the prime winter season are now available. The two, separate one-day courses now available are scheduled for December 20 and December 21 at the Fish and Game Panhandle Region office in Coeur d'Alene. A few spaces are open in each of these separate classes. Advance registration is required.

Individuals interested in completing the class can register online, or at any Idaho Fish and Game office. The course costs $8 per student. The fee is due at the time of registration. Registering at a Fish and Game office is the flat price of $8. Online registration by credit card requires an added convenience fee of $1.24. Registrants must be at least 9 years of age to take the course.

Fish and Game also offers a general furbearer trapping class that is different from the wolf trapper certification class. The general furbearer trapping class does not qualify people for the purchase of wolf trapping tags. When registering, please be certain to sign up for the class you actually want to take.

The wolf trapper certification course is instructor-led. Instructors are experienced trappers who are trained and certified to provide students with both classroom study and interactive, hands-on training. Course topics cover a wide variety of topics related to wolf biology, wolf behavior and management as well as specifics regarding wolf trapping.

Instructors and Fish and Game staff leading the class have expertise in furbearer management, trapping laws and ethics, responsible trapping, proper equipment and trapping techniques. Proper care of a hide for maximum value, and harvest reporting requirements are covered as well.

On-site demonstrations in the field include making trap sets free of human scent, rigging snares, placing diverters to avoid non-target catches, and trap site selection.

Students successfully completing the course receive an Idaho Wolf Trapper Certification card that enables them to purchase wolf trapping tags. Certified wolf trappers may purchase up to five gray wolf trapping tags per trapping season. Tags must be validated and securely attached immediately upon taking a wolf.

Anyone with questions about the wolf trapper certification course are encouraged to contact the Fish and Game Panhandle office at (208)769-1414.

The wolf trapping season opens Friday, November 15, in the wolf management zones in northern and eastern parts of the state.

The trapping seasons runs through March 31 in the Panhandle zone, except in parts of units 2 and 3, and in the Lolo, Selway, Middle Fork zone; Salmon and Island Park zones.

Trapping season also runs through March 31 in the Palouse-Hells Canyon Zone units 13 and 18 on private lands only - closed in units 8, 8A, 11 and 11A; and in the Dworshak-Elk City zone, except Unit 10A, which opens February 1.

In the McCall-Weiser Zone, trapping runs through March 15 in units 19A and 25 and on private land only in unit 22. Units 23, 24, 31, 32 and 32A are closed.

All other zones are closed to trapping.

Trappers must complete a required wolf trapping class before they can buy wolf trapping tags.

Licensed trappers may buy up to five wolf trapping tags per trapping season for use in those zones with an open wolf trapping season. In addition, up to five wolf hunting tags may be purchased per calendar year for hunting. Unused wolf hunting tags may be used to tag trapped wolves in wolf zones with an open trapping and hunting season. Trappers should note that bag limits are not the same for all the wolf zones.

Only three wolf trapping tags may be used in the McCall-Weiser, Salmon and Island Park zones.

Wolf tags cost $11.50 for resident hunters, and $31.75 for nonresidents. Trapping tags are valid for the trapping season, but wolf hunting tags are valid only for the calendar year.

While trapping has been part of the landscape in Idaho, Fish and Game reminds hound hunters, hunters with bird dogs, and people with pets that trappers have an increased interest to be in the woods because of the wolf trapping season. People with pets should know how to release a pet that is caught in a foothold trap or neck snare.

Trapping regulations prohibit traps from the center and within 5 feet of center line of all maintained designated public trails and from the surface and right of way of all maintained designated public roads. Ground traps are prohibited within 300 feet of any designated public campground, picnic area and trailhead.

_Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will offer three wolf trapping certification classes in Missoula and one in Anaconda this fall.Certification is mandatory for anyone planning to trap wolves in Montana, and students who attended a wolf trapping education class last year and received a certificate, do not need to retake one this year.In Missoula, students can elect to take a class on Sunday, Aug. 25, Saturday, Sept. 14 or Sunday, Oct. 6. Classes run from 9am-4pm and will be held at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (5705 Grant Creek Road).A class is set for Anaconda on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9am-4pm at the Lee Metcalf Center (115 E Pennsylvania).Classes are free of charge, and interested students may register online at fwp.mt.gov and follow the links to “wolf trapping certification.”In addition to specifics on equipment and techniques, participants will learn about the history, ethics, management, regulations related to wolves and wolf trapping.Wolf trappers must hold a Montana trapping license and complete the class before heading to the field. Montana’s wolf trapping season runs from Dec. 15 to Feb. 28, 2014.

Saturday, September 28, at the Fish and Game Clearwater Region office, 3316 16th Street, Lewiston, ID.

Cost is $8.00 per student (online registration includes an additional convenience fee of $1.24).

You must pre-register to take the wolf trapper education class either through the Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov, or by contacting a Fish and Game office (208) 799-5010. Sign-up now as these will be the last classes offered this season.

The Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on changes for the 2013-14 wolf hunting and trapping seasons. For the upcoming seasons, archery only hunting would run from Sept. 7 through Sept. 14. The general hunting season would follow and run Sept. 15 through March 31, 2014. The trapping season would run Dec. 15 through Feb. 28, 2014 and those new to wolf trapping would have to complete an education course to participate. Hunting and trapping of wolves is provided for in Montana's wolf conservation and management plan. Over the course of Montana's 2012-13 wolf seasons, hunters harvested 128 wolves and trappers took 97 wolves. The overall bag limit for the upcoming seasons would be five wolves per person in any combination of wolves taken by hunting or trapping. Wolf quotas would be maintained in areas near national parks, with a quota of seven wolves in an expanded Wolf Management Unit 316 near Yellowstone National Park and a quota of two wolves in WMU 110 near Glacier National Park. Also proposed for the 2013-14 seasons is a regulation that would allow hunters to take a wolf over bait placed for trapping and a requirement that trappers in most of Montana would be required to set pan tensions to 10 pounds to minimize the unintentional trapping of lynx, wolverines and other nontargeted species. The complete wolf hunting and trapping season proposals, and opportunities to comment and submit public comments, are available on the FWP website. To comment, and to find more details on the proposed changes beginning May 13, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Hunting." Comments are due by June 24 at 5 p.m. Comments can be mailed to FWP – Wildlife Bureau, Attn: Public Comment; P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701. In Montana, officials estimate that at least 625 wolves, in 147 verified packs, and 37 breeding pairs inhabited the state at the end of 2012. Delisting allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, guided completely by state management plans and laws.

Gray wolf hunting and trapping seasons in most zones in Idaho run through March 31.

Hunting seasons in the Lolo and Selway zones remain open through June 30. And the Beaverhead and Island Park zones closed January 31.

As of March 4, hunters and trappers had taken 245 wolves in Idaho. Last year, they had taken a total of 379 wolves by the end of the season.

Fish and Game encourages wolf hunters to concentrate their efforts in backcountry zones where wolf harvest has been the lowest. Access to backcountry and wilderness units may be difficult, but wolves in those areas are less likely to have been disturbed by other hunters.

Examples areas with wolf hunting opportunities include: Unit 25, along the South Fork Salmon River or the East Fork of the Salmon River to Yellow Pine, or Unit 19A along the main stem of the Salmon River.

Wolves have proven to be a challenging big game animal to hunt. Effective wolf hunting techniques include looking for fresh tracks and then closing the distance before calling to wolves, glassing ridges where wolves may travel or bed, and calling by howling or using other predator calls.

Wolf hunters are discouraged from shooting wolves with radio collars. The collared wolves provide important information biologists need to document wolf population levels and continue to justify having wolf hunting seasons, and the collars are expensive to place on animals.

State wildlife officials released today the results of the 2012-13 wolf hunting and trapping seasons, which saw a substantial jump in harvest over last year. The wolf hunting and trapping seasons ended with a total harvest of 225 wolves, 36 percent more than last season. Hunters took 128 wolves and trappers 97. The hunting season ran 181 days from Sept. 1, 2012 through Feb. 28, and the 76-day trapping season opened Dec. 15, 2012 and closed Feb. 28."We're generally pleased with these results," said Jeff Hagener, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena. "The overall harvest of 225 wolves this season is higher than last year and reflects the more liberal harvest opportunities that were added for 2012. The effectiveness of hunters and now trappers together continues to grow."In all, 84 wolves were taken between Sept. 1, 2012 and the end of Montana’s general big game hunting season, which closed Nov. 25, 2012. Sixty four of the 84 wolves taken before November 25 were opportunistically taken by hunters who were in the field hunting other species. The majority of the harvest, however, took place after the general hunting season by hunters and trappers who were exclusively seeking wolves. During Montana’s first wolf hunting season in 2009, the opportunistic harvest was almost 80 percent."The best news is that hunters and trappers, the core of Montana's wildlife conservation program, are helping us manage Montana’s most recently recovered native species," Hagener said. "A total of 18,642 wolf hunting licenses were purchased for the past season—246 by nonresidents. Most successful wolf hunters were Montana residents who harvested 222 wolves.Additionally, more than 2,500 prospective wolf trappers participated in mandatory educational certification classes held by FWP last fall. About 1,500 of the certified trappers purchased trapping licenses.Reflecting the increasingly liberal harvest opportunities over the last three wolf hunting seasons, Montana's 2012-13 wolf harvest of 225 wolves was up significantly over the 2009 and 2011 seasons. Court challenges barred Montana's hunting season in 2010.Hagener stressed that even with this season's hunting and trapping success—and an additional 104 depredating wolves removed from the population as a result of more than 70 control actions—Montana's wolf population remains robust. With more than 650 wolves reported at the end of 2011, when the 2012 season was adopted, population data indicated a harvest of nearly 400 wolves would be required to reduce the minimum population below 500."We need to achieve a reduction" Hagener said. "Montana has made room for wolves, we are long past the period of recovering wolves, and we are committed to managing for a recovered population. We also need to remember it is FWP’s responsibility to manage with an eye to how all of our special wild resources affect each other and address issues such as public tolerance, including that of landowners. That is what we continually hear the public asking us to do. FWP is working to manage wolf numbers and will continue to use reasonable tools to maximize harvest opportunities."Wildlife managers are now compiling Montana’s 2012 wolf population data and FWP’s wolf report will be complete in late March. Montana’s wolf advisory council, which was originally convened in 2006 to assist with the development of Montana’s Wolf Management Plan, will be reconvened following completion of the annual report. The intent, according to Hagener, is to check in with the broad spectrum of interests included on the original council to again discuss issues associated with Montana’s evolving management of wolves.New Wolf Management Law Adds Management ToolsHagener noted that FWP sought and received from the 2013 Montana Legislature additional tools to increase the wolf harvest in the future. The wolf management bill—sponsored by State Representatives Kelly Flynn (R-Townsend) and Ted Washburn (R- Bozeman)—won swift and overwhelming bipartisan legislative support and was signed into law on Feb. 13 by Gov. Steve Bullock.The new law immediately allowed hunters to purchase up to three wolf licenses and lowered the price of a nonresident wolf license from $350 to $50. The new law also allows for wolf hunters to use their license 24 hours after purchase, instead of after a five-day wait; authorizes the use of electronic calls; and removes the requirement for wolf hunters to wear hunter-orange clothing after the general deer and elk hunting seasons have ended.Montana’s recently passed wolf management legislation allows FWP to close areas near national parks only if established wolf harvest quotas are reached. In signing the legislation, Gov. Bullock asked FWP to ramp up educational efforts aimed at averting the harvest of collared and heavily studied wolves near national parks.Wolf Harvest GeographyMore than half of the total 2012-13 wolf harvest, or about 51 percent, occurred on public lands. The top three counties for wolf harvest were Lincoln with 38, followed by Park with 24, and Missoula with 22. In all, the harvest was well distributed across the areas of Montana inhabited by wolves.For more information, visit "Montana Wolf Hunt" on FWP’s website, fwp.mt.gov.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will offer a short course in Hamilton tailored to those that do not trap but want to learn more about furbearer management, Montana trapping seasons and how to release traps. The course is set for Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 6:30-9p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn (139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive) in Hamilton. Participants do not need to pre-register. The class will offer a short introduction to trapping and furbearer management. Participants will have the opportunity to handle traps and learn how to open them, and hear practical tips on how to avoid places where traps may be set. For more information, call FWP at 406-542-5500.

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking bobcats in Trapping District 5 in southcentral Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Sunday, January 27, 2013. The district includes portions of Fergus, Golden, Valley, Meagher, Musselshell, Petroleum, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Wheatland, Park, Yellowstone, Big Horn, Carbon and Treasure counties. For more information visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov click on "Hunting", then "Trapping", click on "Furbearer Quota Status," or call the toll free number at 1-800-711-8727.

A district court judge Wednesday reopened wolf hunting and trapping seasons in two areas north of Yellowstone National Park. The areas were closed by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission on Dec. 10 in response to concern that hunters were taking wolves with collars that supplied scientific information to YNP researchers.The areas ordered to reopen are within Wolf Management Unit 390 near Gardiner. District Judge Nels Swandal's order suggested that FWP failed to offer sufficient public notice about the closure and set a hearing for Jan. 14. The suit challenging the FWP Commission's decision was brought by several sporting groups and a state representative from Park County.In July, however, when the wolf hunting and trapping seasons were adopted, in response to public comment the FWP Commission additionally directed FWP to conduct a review of the overall harvest prior to the Dec. 15 opening of the wolf trapping season to determine if season adjustments would be needed. At the time, FWP noted in press releases and on its website that the FWP Commission can close the wolf season at anytime. Montana's wolf hunting regulations also identifies FWP Commission authority to close the wolf season.Montana's wolf hunting and trapping seasons are open through Feb. 28. So far, hunters have taken 102 wolves and trappers have reported taking 30 wolves. The recovery of the wolf in the northern Rockies remains one of the fastest endangered species comebacks on record. In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery, 66 wolves were released into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho.The minimum Montana wolf population estimates at the end of 2011 include 653 wolves, in 130 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs. The minimum wolf count is the number of wolves actually counted by FWP wolf specialists, and likely is 10 to 30 percent fewer than the actual wolf population.For more information, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click Montana Wolf Hunt.

Dillon Montana, December 31, 2012 —Montana’s trapping season is in full swing and the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest wants to offer important reminders for all winter recreationists.Dave Myers, Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest Supervisor, says “Montana’s Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) has trap setback requirements from roads, trails and campgrounds and most trappers take additional efforts to place traps in areas well away from those frequented by other recreationists.” Dog owners and others concerned about trapping can minimize risks by staying on well used routes and keeping pets close by when hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing.” Myers adds “keeping pets close to you while out in the woods helps reduce not only accidental trapping concerns but also keeps pets from unnecessarily harassing wildlife.” According to FWP, winter recreationists should be on the look-out for signs of trapping activity; a lightly traveled snowmobile track or a few footsteps in the snow may indicate a trapper’s presence and should be avoided. Recreationists who want to learn more about Montana’s trapping season should look at the websitehttp://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/trapping/. The link has good information, like how to become more proficient at releasing traps and snares and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks contact information. For additional information about winter recreation opportunities on the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest contact us at (406) 683-3900 or look us up on the internet at http://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/bdnf/recreation.

About the Salmon River Mountain Press

The Salmon River Mountain Press shares news from federal and state natural resource agencies, environmental, conservation and recreation groups in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The blog delivers the content one news story at a time.